Report dependent SSNs to retain health coverage

This is a final effort to collect dependent Social Security numbers to comply with new federal law for all medical plans including:

• The Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan; and
• The National Railway Carriers and United Transportation Health and Welfare Plan

Federal Law now requires the reporting of Social Security numbers (SSNs) for covered dependents to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

This includes participants of all medical plans, including the railroad plans listed above.

In addition, if a covered dependent is eligible for Medicare, then the Medicare Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN) is also required.

To comply with these reporting requirements, Railroad Enrollment Services has mailed a final notice to those members identified with missing dependent SSNs and/or HICNs.

If you have received a notice from Railroad Enrollment Services, please provide the SSN and/or HICN for any dependent who is listed as missing this information.

Be sure to sign, date and return the Social Security Number Reporting Form by the requested return date to the address provided.

If you do not receive a notice requesting missing dependent SSNs and/or HICNs, then you do not need to take any action at this time.

The following will occur if the requested SSNs are not provided for any dependent added to the plan before Jan. 1, 2009:

If Railroad Enrollment Services does not receive the Social Security number for any dependent whose SSN is missing by Jan. 31, 2011, the dependent(s) will be DISENROLLED from the plan effective Jan. 31, 2011.

Be assured that when Railroad Enrollment Services transmits the SSNs and/or HICNs to CMS, they will maintain all physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your personal information.

For additional information regarding the new CMS federal law pertaining to this requirement, visit www.cms.hhs.gov/MandatoryInsRep/.

If you have questions, or need another copy of the notification sent to you, call Railroad Enrollment Services at 800-753-2692.

Additionally, there will be an opportunity to provide missing dependent SSNs and/or HICNs during the 2011 Annual Open Enrollment process in the month of October.